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Early Facsimile Edition of William Webb's Map of Ireland (circa 1645)
This attractive map of Ireland appeared in the 1810 Dublin edition of Pacata Hibernia. Originally published in London in 1633, Pacata Hibernia provides an impartial, contemporary account of Irish affairs during the latter stages of the Nine Years' War and details the conduct of the campaign in Munster. The work includes a series of accompanying maps.
Unlike the other maps in Pacata Hibernia, this map is not a direct copy of any previously known map. It is based on a very rare map sold by William Webb around 1645, with notable differences: the title is placed at the bottom right instead of the original top left, and the Irish arms are newly added.
The map illustrates the 1641 rebellion, but the key to symbols indicating towns taken by rebels, besieged, or burnt is omitted, replaced by the new title.
Irish historian Standish O'Grady describes Pacata Hibernia as "the most famous of the Anglo-Irish historical classics." The author, Sir Thomas Stafford (1574-1655), served as a secretary to Sir George Carew, the 1st Earl of Totnes, and was believed to be Carew's illegitimate son. Stafford also served as a captain in Munster during the campaign against Hugh O'Neill.
At Carew's death, Stafford inherited a large collection of manuscripts relating to Ireland, which served as primary sources for his work. Stafford also drew on Carew's own writings in composing Pacata Hibernia.
